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Most people don’t clearly define or agree to what their conflict is. And often, they solve the wrong problem. Once you properly articulate the core problem, the solution often presents itself. Learn the steps to identify the correct problem you need to solve, so you find the solution that addresses the core issue.

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Training compassion ‘muscle’ may boost brain’s resilience to others’ suffering
A new study suggests that as little as two weeks of compassion meditation training, which is intentionally cultivating positive wishes to understand and relieve the suffering of others, may reduce the distress a person feels when witnessing another’s suffering. Instead of being upset, the person can learn to be calmer and able to respond in a more balanced way.

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You create habits around every area of your life. They free your mind up to focus on the situations that need new decisions. Developing the habit of mindfulness can help you in making those decisions and improve every aspect of your life.

15 Journaling Exercises to Help You Heal, Grow, and Thrive
Documenting your thoughts on paper can acknowledge past, distressing experiences so you can process them and reduce their pain. Studies show that journaling reduce mental and physical pain, improve depression, and improve health. Writing down your thoughts can also be a way of sorting out your thoughts and help your creativity.
~ Linda-Ann Stewart

When you feel rushed, pressured or overwhelmed, it triggers the stress response in your body and mind. You act reflexively and can’t think clearly. Learn a couple of very simple tips on how to reverse the stress response and be able to respond more effectively.

Transcript:

Thank you for joining me. I’m Linda-Ann Stewart, a vision strategist coach with a coaching tip for you. Do you ever get rushed or pressured? I’m sure you do, what with everything you have to handle in a day. I want to share a couple of simple techniques that can ease that pressure and improve your ability to handle your challenges.

When you feel anxious or overwhelmed, it triggers the stress response, otherwise called the fight or flight response. You’ve heard of this, right? And when you’re stressed, you can’t think creatively or resourcefully or plan effectively.

Your choices are limited to simply reacting to whatever is happening in that moment. And when you react impulsively, it may not be the best way to handle the situation. Have you ever snapped at someone and then regretted it? That’s what I’m talking about. It’s a reflex.

The remedy is to reverse the stress response. To activate the opposite response. And it’s really simple. Before you react to a situation, or when you need to slow down, stop. Take a few long, slow, deep breaths. This calms the stress response down and allows you to think more clearly. It gives you more resources to handle whatever the situation might be.

And your second tip, wait about 10 seconds to gather your thoughts and before you make a decision or respond to the situation. Remember your mom telling you to count to 10? Well, she was right. This engages the executive center of your brain, the part of you that thinks things through and manages your emotions. You can then make more informed decisions that will bring you better results.

I know these seem too easy to be effective. But they’re natural remedies for when you’re stressed. The fun is trying to remember to do them when you’re stuck in “go, go, go” mode. When you do use them, you’re going to notice a difference.

Self-Care Is Not An Indulgence. It’s A Discipline.
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How to Redesign Your Life With Just 3 Questions
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How to Stay Positive: 11 Smart Habits
You can change your attitude to become more positive and optimistic. It all has to do with consciously choosing what to pay attention to. To begin with, you’ll have to remind yourself of these mental perspectives. But over time, they become habits and a natural part of who you are.

My grandmother used to quote the novelist Lewis Carroll, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” Recently, I had an extremely busy week that epitomized that sentiment. I had multiple appointments with clients, networking meetings, deadlines for my newsletter and the association’s newsletter I edit. So I was running around trying to get prepared for, or getting things done before the deadlines arrived. Additionally, gravity seemed to be heavier, as everything I got near seemed to end up on the floor. Have you ever had a week like that? It can pull you off center and forget that the Universe has everything in order.

The Lewis Carroll quote is true. Whenever you’re in a hurry, pressured for time, and you try to do things faster, events happen to delay you. You drop your glasses, spill your coffee or forget your water bottle and must go back for it. No matter how hard you try to make up time, you stumble and obstruct yourself. You’re out of the flow of the Universe. It seems like life is against you, creating chaos that you must clean up, search for items or go back to get. And all that time you’re trying to make up never appears.
Stressful Situations

The same is true of circumstances. When you rush into a situation, without thinking it through, you tend to experience problems. You make unwise decisions, and then are stuck as you try to extract yourself. By being so pushed, you don’t consult your inner guidance. For instance, have you ever agreed to help on a committee, and realized later that you didn’t have the time for it? Or have you ever been pressured to buy something, which you did, but later regretted the purchase?

When you’re under stress, as when you’re rushed, you cannot think creatively or resourcefully. Stress puts you into a mindset of fight or flight, and you’re simply trying to survive. You act on impulse and, because you’re moving faster than normal, you become slightly clumsy. That’s when you knock a glass of water or something else onto the floor. If you’re under a lot of pressure, it can move you into a sense of fear. When you’re afraid, you can’t think clearly and remember where you put your keys, glasses or report. These negative emotions mean you shut the Infinite out of your life.

Slow Down

When I realized that I was embodying what my grandmother had warned me about, I stopped rushing around. Even though my time was limited, I knew I had to take control and manage myself better. Whenever I started to spin too fast, I reminded myself to slow down and think things through. I checked in with my inner guidance. Planning ahead can ease a lot of tension. I made myself stop and think ahead to make sure I had everything I needed.

For instance, I had to make myself lunch for the networking meeting, which would end immediately before another appointment. I got lunch ready the night before. After the appointment, I was going to the health food store, so I got my list ready ahead of time. Because I thought things through, I was able to be more relaxed. And once I got home, I could focus and be mentally ready for my virtual coaching client later that afternoon.

As you stop and think, you’re able to access your resourcefulness and ability to view the situation in perspective. You pay attention to what you’re doing in the moment, which allows you to be more present and intentional. By being more mindful, you’re more connected with the Universe and Its peace. And you assess what needs to be done, so you can make appropriate decisions. Gravity returns to normal, and your cup won’t tip over just because it’s near you.

Affirmation:

Everything in my life is in Divine Order, working for my Highest Good. I remember that whenever I feel rushed or pressured. By staying present, I’m able to access my inner guidance, as well as my resources. I’m always connected to the Universe and Its peace. I stay in the flow of the Universe.

As a vision strategist, hypnotherapist, and speaker, Linda-Ann Stewart helps women entrepreneurs and small business owners who feel stuck, immobilized and overwhelmed to to get clear, focused and on the fast track to the next level of their business. If you'd like some help to reach your goals, apply for her complimentary "Clarify Your Vision" consultation at http://www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/coaching.shtml

How To Tell If Your Perfectionism Is Normal Or Unhealthy
Perfectionism puts an incredible pressure on you. But there are some differences between useful and unhealthy perfectionism. If unhealthy perfectionism is taking over your life and causing you distress, there are some steps you can take to let go of to start feeling better.

Self Esteem Vs. Self Confidence
Self-esteem and self-confidence are two different things. Self-confidence is relatively easy to build, while self-esteem is more complex. This article explains both and gives some simple tips on how to them.

How to Successfully Handle Aggressive and Controlling People
Most of have to deal with intimidating people at some point of our lives. They may be coworkers, bosses, or family members. With some consideration, you may be able to approach them differently so that you have a handle on the interaction. One thing I especially like in this article is its list of your fundamental rights.
~ Linda-Ann Stewart

10 Strategies to Keep Moving Forward When You’re Feeling Extra Stuck
You feel stuck when your initial excitement has worn off of moving towards a goal, and you can seem to make any headway on it. It may be that you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or confused at your next step. Don’t give up. Try these strategies first, and get yourself back on course.
~ Linda-Ann Stewart

7 Psychiatrist-Backed Tips To Help You Manage Anxiety
People with anxiety disorders often face a sense of worry or dread and spend hours ruminating over worst case scenarios. This can get in the way of professional goals, personal relationships and a good quality of life. But there are ways to cope. In this article, experts offer their best techniques to work through situations that might drum up anxiety.

How to Improve Your Concentration in Just 10 Minutes
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The 5 Mental Traits of Those Who Succeed at Change
Change isn’t easy. It takes a lot of attention and commitment to successfully make a shift in your life. Your mindset is one of the most important factors when you’re attempting to change. You can adopt the right mindset, but it takes some self-examination. Learn how asking yourself the right questions can make you more successful.

15 Ways to Practice Positive Self-Talk for Success
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6 Benefits of Being More Focused
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This Is The Difference Between An Anxiety Attack And A Panic Attack
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3 Simple Habits for Daily Mindfulness
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The Surprising Way to Find Answers to Your Problems
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Thought Watching Exercises to Increase Awareness & Reduce Anxiety
We often go about our business without noticing what our mind is telling us because we are too busy with our hectic lives. Some of the advice is probably helpful, but some of it may not be. And if we follow it, we aren’t happy about where we end up. Once you can become aware of your thoughts, you can determine whether they’re constructive or negative. This article gives valuable skills on how to develop the awareness that can put you in the drivers seat of your mind.
~ Linda-Ann Stewart